4th Jackson Doc Fest coming to Lane College in October

JACKSON DOC FEST Announces Its Fourth Edition: Awards & Gala Show on October 18, 2025

JACKSON, TENNESSEE, September 18, 2025 – Jackson Doc Fest will host its fourth annual international documentary film festival awards and gala on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the renowned Chambers-McClure Theater at Lane College. The evening begins at 5:00 PM with a reception honoring esteemed guests, followed by the red-carpet awards ceremony and gala show. The program will feature a special tribute to a Jackson local hero, live music, and a ballet performance by Ballet Arts. The event is open to the public, filmmakers, students, and invited guests.

Since its founding, Jackson Doc Fest has quickly risen as one of the world’s leading documentary film festivals, with a mission to become the premier global destination for documentary cinema. Dedicated to showcasing films that spotlight urgent social issues, environmental concerns, human stories, and cultural awareness, the festival has experienced an impressive 30% annual growth in submissions. In 2025, the festival received entries from 91 countries, including films previously recognized at Berlinale, Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and Sheffield. An esteemed panel of judges composed of award-winning filmmakers and international industry leaders will select this year’s winners, further elevating Jackson’s global presence as a cultural hub.

A highlight of the gala will be the presentation of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award honoring Carl Perkins, the legendary “King of Rockabilly” and writer of “Blue Suede Shoes.” Perkins spent much of his life in Jackson, where his legacy endures through the Carl Perkins Civic Center and the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum. “It’s a wonderful honor for Jackson, and our museum is proud to support and partner in promoting our history and creating opportunities for our youth,” said Becky Fly of the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum.

Jackson Doc Fest was founded by Christopher HK Lee, an award-winning Los Angeles–based film director, inspired by his acclaimed documentary Forgotten Victory about the U.S.S. Lane Victory. “This is my fifth visit to Jackson, and I am deeply committed to working with the local community, organizations, and students—not only to foster academic and professional opportunities but also to celebrate the rich cultural history Jackson has to offer,” said Lee, Founder and Development Director of the festival.

The gala show is open to the public free of charge. For volunteer opportunities, partnerships and collaborations, or additional information about attending, please contact Paul Rivas.

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